Long Putters

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By Fred Closs

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  • 15 Replies
  1. Fred Closs

    Fred Closs
    Denton, TX

    I noted Will Zalatoris is now sporting a long putter and is putting better. It saved the career of Adam Scott, Bernhard Langer and others. However, I would think Old Tom Morris would object as it doesn't resemble a setup or swing with any other club. Conversely, we don't want to keep people out of the game of golf.

    My question is this, should tournament golf be played, "according to Hoyle" and to the ideals of golf as they were intended?

  2. Don O

    Don O
    Madison, WI

    Every other club is held with both hands pointed down. Even “not anchoring” is as radical as the croquet putt Sam Snead (???) and maybe DeChambeau tried. Should have nipped that in the bud.

  3. Steve R

    Steve R
    Madison AL

    Military
    Fred, I think I am the same as you suggest, play it like it was intended. They stopped standing behind the ball years ago, so I think they need to stop the pendulum style putters. Just me, thanks buddy.
  4. Chuck Z

    Chuck Z
    Mt Pleasant, SC

    Military
    Over the years, most all sports have changed in some form. The forward pass, the dunk, three point line, bigger baseball gloves, lighter shoes, all to help the athlete improve their ability score/play/win. Should golf not be progressive as well? All the equipment in sports has improved. As long as they are not putting croquet style, I am fine with the length of the putters as long as they are not anchoring them for stability. Golf has made a lot of progress since Old Tom and I am sure he would not object. My one cent worth.
  5. Dave N

    Dave N
    Dade City, FL

    I don't care if they putt with a hockey stick, what ever works for you works for me. Anchor or no anchor does it really matter?
  6. JHanzlik

    JHanzlik

    I’ve tried a long putter for fun and couldn’t get used to it. I never cared for them.
  7. DK

    DK
    Northeastern, PA

    Ditto. I've tried the long putter and couldn't find that happy spot. Never could get used to it. If others try it and like it, and it works...have at it. It's the same for everyone...stick with what works
  8. Mick R

    Mick R

    I have an arm lock putter and it’s great for shorter putts but longer putts I could not get a feel for. Went back to my standard 34 inch putter last year and had a great putting season. I think the arm lock putter helped me get a better feel for putting.
  9. Bomber3

    Bomber3
    Lake St Louis, MO

    Military
    I'm pretty certain there is no rule governing the length of putters (long or short). As long as those using long putters aren't anchoring it, they are playing within the rules. As for both hands pointed down, there are numerous putting grip styles now where both hands are not pointing down. In Will's case, I think the long putter choice has been driven by his back issues and if he putts better with it, so be it.
  10. BHershman

    BHershman
    Palm Beaches

    Fred Closs said:

    I noted Will Zalatoris is now sporting a long putter and is putting better. It saved the career of Adam Scott, Bernhard Langer and others. However, I would think Old Tom Morris would object as it doesn't resemble a setup or swing with any other club. Conversely, we don't want to keep people out of the game of golf.

    My question is this, should tournament golf be played, "according to Hoyle" and to the ideals of golf as they were intended?

    Old Tom died in 1908, there are a lot of things about today's game he'd object to. Same with Abner Doubleday and James Naismith. Things change.
  11. Chris92009

    Chris92009
    Ohio

    Fred Closs said:

    I noted Will Zalatoris is now sporting a long putter and is putting better. It saved the career of Adam Scott, Bernhard Langer and others. However, I would think Old Tom Morris would object as it doesn't resemble a setup or swing with any other club. Conversely, we don't want to keep people out of the game of golf.

    My question is this, should tournament golf be played, "according to Hoyle" and to the ideals of golf as they were intended?

    Things evolve over time including golf equipment IMHO
  12. calvin a

    calvin a
    Dumfries, VA

    Military
    I found them insanely hard to use but hey whatever works.
  13. BPerkins

    BPerkins
    DFW,TX

    I would say use what makes you comfortable. As a golfer that’s a bit taller, I found that the longer counterbalance putters help my game. I’m in a more comfortable position, my sight isn’t thrown off and I’m more confident rolling putts. When money is on the line, use what’s comfortable and exudes confidence.
  14. Frank P

    Frank P
    Port St. Lucie, FL

    Military
    I tried a long putter back in the 1980's when they first became popular with players like Orville Moody and Jim Ferree on the Senior Tour using them. Didn't care for it, but it's helped a lot of players rediscover their putting.
  15. Eric H

    Eric H
    Ridgway, PA

    I think the argument for equipment "not what they intended" is a lazy one. Don't you think the original players of the game would have built the best possible clubs and balls that they possibly could? No one today is building the same wheels and tires that were on the Model-T and putting them out on the highway because thats what Henry Ford wanted.

    Technology improves life,
  16. Erich F

    Erich F
    NY

    Rules were made to be bent or broken or ignored. Just look pro basketball. I doubt most players could dribble with only fingertips on the ball, or not travel on most possessions. And don't get me started on "illegal" defense.

    If the long putter was such an advantage, it would have much greater adoption on tour. It has helped some, but certainly is not that great an advantage.

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